Titans defensive end Jason Babin added two sacks to his team-leading total, but he was quick to praise the offense after a 31-17 victory over the Texans.

Because the offense stayed on the field and finished off drives — something it struggled mightily to do during a six-game losing streak — the defense was fresher.

“When you are up by two or three scores, you know they are going to throw it,” said Babin, who also forced a fumble by Texans quarterback Matt Schaub. “What do we do best? We rush the passer. And when we know they have to throw, we can eat. I told the offensive guys ‘Thank you’ so many times. That’s what we want right there.”

Babin, who now has 12 sacks, said it was even more special to have a big game against one of his former teams. He was also a team captain and was on the field with the offense for the final-play kneel-down.

“I felt real bad about that,” Babin said. “I told him I was going to take him out to dinner, and it’s on me. Interceptions are special for those guys, so I feel real bad about that.”

McCourty said he’d already forgiven Babin.

“It’s disappointing for selfish reasons,” the second-year pro said with a smile. “But there are times out there if I am a little better in coverage, Babin maybe could’ve had a sack. So it is all part of the game, and Jason played really well.”